In this session of The Engineering Career Coach Podcast, Chris Knutson and I are going to answer questions from our listeners asking for career advice.

“Ideally, since 80 percent of your life is spent working, you should start your business around something that is a passion of yours. If you’re into kite surfing and you want to become an entrepreneur, do it with kite surfing. Look, if you can indulge in your passion, life will be far more interesting than if you’re just working. You’ll work harder at it, and you’ll know more about it. But first you must go out and educate yourself on whatever it is that you’ve decided to do–know more about kite surfing than anyone else. That’s where the work comes in. But if you’re doing things you’re passionate about, that will come naturally.” – Richard Branson

In the Take Action Today segment of the show, we give you some tips on how you can stand out as an engineer.

Here is the summary of the questions and answers we’ve discussed in this session:

Question:

I have had my own small engineering business for a while now. I have been able to make it through the recession but how do I know when I can (or should) hire another engineer? What is the best way to perform engineering business development and the best ways to balance marketing/business development and perform design services? – Robert from Illinois

Answer:

If you have to do something more than once, delegate or sub it out – create standard operating procedures (SOPs)

Designate a certain time each day for engineering business development

Hire out your business development tasks or find a consultant

Cut your cost and invest in your staff and build your asset

Question:

What kind of skills would serve as technical skills for engineers and engineering leaders? – Terrance from Lake Charles, LA

Answer:

Join technical associations in whatever discipline you’re in

Ask engineering alumni and find an engineering mentor to know what kind of technical skills you need to be an expert in your specific engineering field

Learn leadership/management skills because these fundamentals are essentially evergreen

Question:

How do you learn from an engineering project or class failure or shortcoming without sending your work/mindset into a stalemate? – Rafael from Charleston

Answer:

Ask yourself 2 questions: Where is the opportunity in this situation? and Where can I learn and grow from this situation?

Use the failure to propel yourself and avoid future mistakes

Keep your eye on the end goal

Question:

I am a chemical engineering student and I was wondering if you think taking the FE exam would be worthwhile? – Marlene from New York

Answer:

Yes, yes and yes!

PE license is a huge asset; it creates more opportunities for you

You never know when in your career, you might need your PE license

Question:

What has changed in engineering careers over the last 30 years? – Ricardo from Honduras

Answer:

Soft skills are needed much more in engineering today

Engineers need to be more well rounded

Incorporation of technology at every level

Competitive pressures from expat engineers

Question:

What is the best way to stay vigilant and focused on improving myself as a professional, and finding opportunities in a shrinking job market? – Tim from Ontario, Canada

Answer:

Know how to stand out by:

Joining a Toastmasters club in your school or developing your speaking skills through other avenues

Obtaining internships, even if they are volunteer work

Tapping into your engineering alumni association

Do some market analysis: what type of engineering, where are the jobs at, and what niches are available